Pubdate: Mon, 06 Jun 2005
Source: Powell River Peak (CN BC)
Copyright: 2005 Peak Publishing Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.prpeak.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/734
Author: Ted Durnin, Peak Reporter	
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine)

BUSTS PART OF DRUG INITIATIVE

Recent drug arrests and charges highlight a stepped-up zero-tolerance 
campaign against drugs from Powell River RCMP.

Morphine and cocaine were seized from an adult male known to police after a 
vehicle was stopped in Edgehill on May 19, and police have recommended 
charges of possession and failing to comply with a probation order 
specifying that he not be in possession of drugs.

A search of a residence in the 4900 block of Fernwood Avenue stemming from 
an RCMP program of reporting suspected drug houses netted 50 marijuana 
plants on May 21.

A small quantity of crack cocaine was seized from a female at Gibson's 
Beach on May 22.

"If there is a trend or theme here, it is that we are taking a 
zero-tolerance approach regarding drug offences," said Powell River RCMP 
Constable Carl McIntosh. "Powell River is rapidly becoming a place not to 
reside if you are involved in drug trafficking. Our ability to detect the 
offenders and successfully follow up these drug investigations is 
increasing all the time."

Trafficking in prescription drugs such as morphine or oyxcontin is also a 
concern, McIntosh said. "These drugs are easily ingested by mouth, but can 
also be ground into a powder and injected. They have a high addiction 
liability.

"We are seeing instances of orders by judges that disallow repeat offenders 
to lawfully return to Powell River as conditions of their probation," 
McIntosh added. "This is a step in the right direction."
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager